NASCAR deals penalties to Martin Truex Jr.

  
Martin Truex Jr. -- Chicago car too high (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)
  

   
   By Mike Mulhern
   mikemulhern.net

   NASCAR hit Martin Truex Jr. and crew chief Kevin Manion and car owner Teresa Earnhardt with relatively minor penalties Tuesday for a post-race height violation after Saturday's Chicago 400.
   Truex' right-side quarterpanel was slightly higher than rules allow. NASCAR offered no further explanation.
   Raising the rear end of a race car can improve handling, by increasing downforce.
   NASCAR brought Truex' Chevy back to North Carolina for further examination at its Concord R&D shop.
   Truex was penalized 25 driver points, Manion was fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2009, and Earnhardt was penalized 25 owner points.
    NASCAR said they were penalized "for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); Section 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and Section 20-12.8.1C (right rear quarter panel height did not meet the required specifications; too high in post-race inspection)."